Gulf Shores, Alabama

Live Blues Music - Birmingham, Alabama

US Space & Rocket Centre

Muscle Shoals Sound Studio

Street Art in Birmingham

Talladega Speedway

Dr Martin Luther King Home, Montgomery

Gulf Coast Fishing

Mardi Gras - Mobile, Alabama

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Orange Beach

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USS Alabama, Mobile

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Downtown Huntsville

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Coastal Arts Studio

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Civil Rights Memorial Centre

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To Kill A Mockingbird, Monroeville

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BBQ & Blues, Alabama

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Alabama Mansion Home

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Alabama is the epitome of the friendly, easy going, laid back lifestyle long associated with the Deep South. From the lush green forests and mountains in the north to the sun drenched beaches on the Gulf Coast, you will find a land of cotton, Civil War Battlefields, Civil Rights history, oak trees draped in Spanish moss and bayous brimming with crawfish. The geography of Alabama varies dramatically from North to South starting in the mountainous north and moving through the cotton fields of central Alabama down to the sugary white sand beaches in the south. This varying geography provides awe-inspiring scenery of lakes, mountains, canyons and caves offering a diverse range of outdoor activities like golf, hiking, biking, horse-riding and fishing.

Alabama's Music & Festivals

Alabama has a great musical heritage and is the birthplace and influence of some of the true greats such as WC Handy, Nat King Cole and Hank Williams. The Shoals region in the north western corner of the state, on the banks of the Tennessee River, is the home of Alabama music. Here you can tour music studios where international superstars like Aretha Franklin, Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Rolling Stones came to record in the 1960s and 70s. This musical heritage is celebrated across the state with a number of annual festivals. Mobile is recognised as having America’s first Mardi Gras celebration in 1703 and the celebration is bigger than ever today. During Mardi Gras season, the streets of downtown Mobile are filled with the sights and sounds of live marching bands and colourful floats.

Rich in History

Alabama is a state rich in history and is probably best known for its key role in two of the most momentous events in US history, the American Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. In 1861, Southern politicians gathered at the State Capitol in Montgomery and formed the Confederate States of America with Montgomery as its first Capital. The telegram that started the Civil War was sent from here. Three years later in 1864, Mobile Bay in the south of the state was also the scene of an important naval struggle when the outnumbered Confederate fleet surrendered. Alabama was also under the World’s spotlight from 1955 to 1968 when the Civil Rights Movement gathered pace under the leadership of Dr Martin Luther King. Museums, bridges, churches and historic sites chronicle key episodes of this movement throughout the State. The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, the Rosa Parks Museum and Civil Rights Memorial Center in Montgomery and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute are just some of the must-see museums and landmarks.

Golfing in Alabama

Alabama offers some of the very best golfing available in the US, with championship standard courses dotted throughout the state. From the fast greens around the sand dunes of the Gulf Coast, to the doglegged fairways surround by dogwoods and magnolias in the north, Alabama makes the perfect golfing destination.

The unique ‘Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail’ offering 468 holes of championship golf on 11 sites has been voted ‘Number One Golf Value in America’ by Golf Digest. Three of its golf courses have also been ranked as Number 1, 2 and 38 of the top 50 public golf courses in the U.S. by Golf World Readers. Many of these sites also now offer 5 star luxury resorts and spas.

Golf in Alabama is not just restricted to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail however. See our 5 'best of the rest' golf courses throughout Alabama below:

Craft Farms, Gulf Shores: Enjoy 36 holes on two courses, Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend. They are the only two courses designed by Arnold Palmer inthe state.

FarmLinks at Pursell Farms, Sylacauga: This family farm golf resort and its 7,444-yard, Hurdzan Fry-designed course, chosen by Golfweek as the state’s No. 1 all-access golf course, is often used by the golf industry to test new products.

TimberCreek Golf Club, Daphne: Carved from a forest of dogwoods, magnolias and pines, this 27-hole course designed by Earl Stone is known for its rolling fairways and elevation changes.

Joe Wheeler State Park Golf Course, Florence: Earl Stone designed this 18-holer that rolls across gentle hills, sidles up to a river and passes through a wildlife sanctuary.

USS Alabama, Mobile

Arrive Huntsville

Huntsville

The next two days are free to explore Huntsville and its surrounding areas. Nicknamed 'Rocket City', Huntsville is also home to the US Space and Rocket Centre. Take some time to wander around the Rocket Park and marvel at the machines that took man into space. We also recommend a visit to the beautiful Huntsville Botanical Gardens, or tour the Twickenham Historic District, which is home to the largest concentration of the iconic antebellum homes in Alabama.

Florence

Today, take the short drive to the North West corner of Alabama and the city of Florence. Famous for its music history, the city boasts a number of recording studios, with the most famous two being the FAME Recording Studios, where Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin among many others recorded classic hits and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, where the iconic hit 'Sweet Home Alabama' was recorded by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Take some time out from your sightseeing to enjoy lunch at Champy's Famous Fried Chicken, a staple food of the state.

Birmingham

Journey down through the beautiful Alabama scenery, perhaps taking in a stop at the William B. Bankhead National Forest, as you head toward Birmingham. The state's largest city, Birmingham, offers attractions including The Civil Rights Institute, Barber Vintage Motorsport’s Museum and Kelly Ingram Park. There is also a replica of the Statue of Liberty located within the city!

Montgomery

A short drive today from Birmingham down to the state capital Montgomery. We highly recommend stopping along the way at the Talladega National Forest, to see some of the most beautiful scenery that Alabama offers visitors. Take time out to visit some of Montgomery’s famous historical sites including Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, Rosa Parks Library and Museum, Old Alabama Town, the First White House of the Confederacy, and the Civil Rights Memorial and Center. Afterwards, head to The Alley and enjoy a meal and a drink in downtown’s liveliest nightspots or catch a show at the Montgomery Center for the Performing Arts.

Mobile

Today's drive takes you South West from the state capital Montgomery, to the coastal city of Mobile. We suggest a stop at Monroeville, home of Harper Lee, author of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, before arriving in Mobile. Famous as being the birthplace in the US of Mardi Gras, the city hosts one of the biggest and most vibrant Mardi Gras festivals every year. Attractions such as the USS Alabama, Mobile Carnival Museum and Mobile Botanical Gardens are all worth a visit during your stay. On your second day, take the short drive to the Gulf Coast resort of Gulf Shores. Here you can visit attractions such as the Gulf Park Zoo, Alabama State Park and the historic Fort Morgan.

Live Music Venues Across The Deep South

Arrive New Orleans

New Orleans

Welcome to the ‘Big Easy’. Today, you have a full day to explore the city. Visit the French Quarter, stroll along the narrow streets, visit the jazz clubs and experience Creole and Cajun cooking at its best. Ride the famed ‘Streetcar named Desire’, walk through the historic garden district or take a paddlewheeler on the Mississippi River.

Point Clear

This morning’s short drive along the coastline brings you into Alabama and the impressive Grand Hotel Marriott Resort Golf Club & Spa. Spend two nights enjoying the resort's two fabulous golf courses, relaxing in the European-style spa and swimming in one of the resort's two outdoor pools. If you can pull yourself away from the resort there are many attractions close by.

Destin

Your journey today takes you along historic Route 10, into the western Florida Panhandle. Skirting along the coast, you may choose to stop in Pensacola before arriving at your beach resort in Destin. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or explore more of Florida’s breathtaking coastline and small towns.

Hotel:
Hilton Sandestin Beach & Golf Resort

Day
06

Montgomery

Journeying northwest, today you venture back into Alabama. We suggest a stop at Monroeville, home of Harper Lee, author of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, before arriving in Montgomery. Whilst in the state capital, perhaps visit the Rosa Parks Museum and learn more about the Civil Rights Movement and tour the King Memorial Baptist Church where Martin Luther King Jr. preached his message of hope and brotherhood.

Hoover & Birmingham

Just a short journey today through the central region of Alabama to the rolling hills and beautiful scenery of Birmingham’s countryside. Sitting in the quaint town of Hoover, Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort boasts the third longest golf course in the world. This Robert Trent Jones Course is surrounded by sweeping hills and offers challenging holes. Away from the courses, stimulate your senses at the spa or relax by the signature pool. A visit to the state's largest city, Birmingham, offers attractions including The Civil Rights Institute, Barber Vintage Motorsport’s Museum and Kelly Ingram Park.

Florence

Today it’s on to the northern tip of Alabama and the last of its superb resorts. Set in the Tennessee River Valley, Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa has retained the area's beauty in the design of the resort. Just minutes from the hotel are two Robert Trent Jones Trail courses which attract players of all levels and skill. Take a trip to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, WC Handy’s Birthplace and Museum and the Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House.

Nashville

Cross the border into Tennessee, and head toward the home of Country Music. During your stay in Nashville visit the Grand Ole Opry, the Wildhorse Saloon and the Ryman Auditorium. A paddlewheeler cruise down the Cumberland River offers the sights of the waterway's historic heritage and is great fun. If you have time for shopping drop by Opry Mills, combining outlet and boutique shopping opportunities.

Memphis

Switching from country music to the home of the blues, today brings you to Memphis. Visit Mud Island, a unique 52 acre park showcasing America’s greatest river, the Mississippi. No one should ever visit Memphis without going to Graceland where the Lisa Marie airplane can also be viewed, or Sun Studios, where Elvis recorded some of his earliest music.

Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville

Illinois Monument, Vicksburg

Arrive Memphis

Greenwood

Today you commence your journey through this amazing region by heading south on historic Highway 61, also known as the Blues Highway. Your first place of interest is Clarksdale in the heart of the Delta, which has a rich musical heritage. Whilst in town make sure to visit Blues Alley, home to the Delta Blues Museum. Next you’ll continue your journey to Indianola for a stop at the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Centre.

Vicksburg

This morning we suggest a stop by The Greenwood Blues Heritage Museum and Gallery, home to a vast array of Blues memorabilia. Culinary enthusiasts may also choose to visit the Viking Cookery School to learn how to prepare traditional Southern dishes and delicacies. Next take the scenic drive to Vicksburg, where you will enjoy the next two nights at one of Vicksburg’s antebellum homes. Next morning, why not take a carriage ride, to discover Vicksburg’s many beautiful homes?

Tupelo

We’ve allowed a full day for you to experience Tupelo, undoubtedly best known as Elvis’ birthplace. Visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace Museum, where you can tour the home, museum memorial chapel, fountain of life and see the story wall. Make sure to stop by the Tupelo Hardware Store; this timeless gem is where Gladys Presley bought Elvis his first guitar (Elvis wanted a gun, they compromised on guitar and music has never been the same since!).

Hotel:
Hilton Garden Inn Tupelo

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06
Day
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Florence

Your exciting journey continues, and today it’s to the Northern tip of Alabama. Set in the stunning Tennessee River Valley, Marriott Shoals has a beautiful setting which has been reflected in the resort's design. Just minutes from the hotel are two Robert Trent Jones Trail golf courses, which attract players of all levels from across the globe. Whilst in Florence, take a trip to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, WC Handy’s Birthplace and Museum.

Nashville

Crossing the border back into Tennessee, today you're heading to the home of country music! There is so much to keep you entertained in this city, but you shouldn’t miss Grand Ole Opry, the Wildhorse Saloon and the Ryman Auditorium. A paddlewheeler cruise down the Cumberland River provides an insight into the historic heritage of the waterways and is also great fun! If you have time, drop into Opry Mills Mall, which combines both outlet shopping and boutique options.

Memphis

Switching from country music to the rhythm and blues, you end your journey in Memphis. This is yet another exciting city with lots to do, whatever your interests. Visit Mud Island, a unique 52 acre park showcasing America’s greatest river, The Mississippi. No visit to Memphis is complete without touring Graceland. See the house, tour the Lisa Marie Airplane and see the artifacts in the museum including many of Elvis’ flamboyant outfits. We also suggest a trip to Sun Studios where Elvis recorded some of his earliest music, and one evening perhaps enjoy a cool drink and some vibrant tunes on Beale Street.

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras Mobile

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Mardi Gras Band

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Downtown Mobile

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Did you know that Mobile is the birthplace of America's original Mardi Gras? That's right, Mardi Gras originated in 1703, here in the port city in Southern Alabama.

From the daily colourful parades, where moon pies, trinkets and beads are distributed to the party like crowd, to enjoying a delicious King Cake, Mardi Gras in Mobile is truly a family friendly event. Why not be part of the biggest event of the year in Mobile on our 4 night package?

Prices

Alabama 500 at Talladega Superspeedway

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Alabama 500 NASCAR

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NASCAR Driver

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Talladega Superspeedway

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Experience one of the biggest NASCAR races on the annual calendar at the Alabama 500 at the famous Talladega Superspeedway. See cars flying round the track at speeds of over 200mph, while jostling for position with just millimetres between the cars.

Prices

US Space & Rocket Centre Admission

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General admission to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center includes access to historic Shuttle Park, Rocket Park and all indoor exhibit areas such as the main museum atrium and the Davidson Center for Space Exploration. With each ticket purchase, enjoy daily guided tours of the Saturn V Hall, featured traveling exhibitions, hands-on demonstrations and presentations, museum simulators and a behind-the-scenes tour of Space Camp. Also includes ticket to one IMAX or National Geographic movie

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